BMW F800ST

I bought a high mileage bike from Viva Moto in 2010 and sold it in 2012. I had to sell it as I have emigrated to NZ. The bike was reliable through this time being used for daily commuting but it became increasingly rattly and fuel consumption increased. It became apparent that there was a major cylinder problem, costing 1000 plus gbp to fix,so I took a major loss on the bike. It had a full service BMW history but being out of warranty they were not interested. Also the engine paint flaked badly and the brake callipers corroded. It sounds to me like this is just an issue with early models but it has been enough to scare me off BMW in the future as quality control was clearly not up to scratch. Yes, fuel economy (59 mpg per Fuelly) was good and being light it was easy to handle. I felt the steering though easy was a bit too tall to take corners fast - a tiny bit bobby. Felt just a touch lightweight somehow for really serious motorway touring. Mirrors have an inherent flaw with a loosening nut causing drooping - quite dangerous really. All in favour of good fuel economy but if the engine fails its pretty bad in my view.

You said your bike would die too. Mine cuts out while riding also. What was the fix? Scary. My mechanic couldn't find the fix.

Having been riding for a good few years now and into my 60's, I need comfort and syle, I've had Zuzuki's Honda's and my last bike was a Harley Davidson super glide custome, a brill bike but a little too heavy for my old body to push about when not riding, I've just bought the BMW f800 st and its absolutly brilliant, comfy, sporty and light to handle, the power is there when you need it and I found it quite good in traffic which is contrary to some reviews i've read,its quick through the gears and when you get in top gear it cruises wonderfully and smooth, the instument pannel is in good view without having to take you eyes too much off the road to moniter, controls easy to master and the brakes work, which is more than can be said for the Harley lol, the on board computer is a wizz, all the info you need at the touch of a button, overall I'm chuffed to bits anc can't wait to get out on the road.

Bought my f800st new in 2008 and have put just over 56,000 kms on it.

Pros: light, nimble and responsive.

beautiful low end torque ... really pulls nicely thru the twisties in lower gears

incredible fuel economy

expandable panniers work well ... impressed on how much stuff I can pack in to them

lots of extras like tyre pressure monitor, on-board computer are great.

heated grips are so nice on those late fall rides.

Cons: not many ... had a valve gasket leak but it was repaired under warrantee.

parts / service are typical BMW pricey.

seat is ok for city jaunts ... a little hard for full day rides

i had couple of issues at about 13500 miles with fuel pump when i would go around corners the engine would DIE,SCARY, took it in they fixed it under WARRANTY. they ,BMW , stands behind their PRODUCTS. enough of the NEGATIVE, i have almost 19000 MILES, the engine runs great enough power to go around town and keep up with 600 streetbikers out riding AGGRESSIVE,JUST tighten up the suspension and go after it HARD. also comformable eough for a 500 mile day touring just again adjust the SUSPENSION.I did put a sargent seat on IT, makes a big diffence form the stock SEAT.IT the blue F800ST 2008, i get a lot of comlpliments on color and look of the BIKE, both from riders and NONRIDERS.

What a bike. Having owned Kawa 600s and a Triumph ST1050 this BMW is a breath of fresh air. Good, comfortable performance. Low down grunt and a planted feeling have re-kindled my passion for some of the best mountain passes in South Africa. One thing I'd improve on is the screen. 2 inches taller and it would be perfect.

Mine was ordered with all bells and whistles except the tire pressure thingy. The panniers are great and the fitmentof a GIVI small top box has given me an excellant tourer.

Overall I'd have to give the Beemer 8.5/10

The bike is an absolute joy to ride. Extremely flickable, but comfortable enough for 300-400 mile days. But the reliability is abysmal. In a bit less than two years, mine has spent six weeks in the shop. It's had five warranty repairs. I've used BMW roadside assistance twice (and endangered myself by riding it to the shop instead of using roadside assistance for a third incident).

When originally brought out the F800 series rear axle (drive shaft as BMW call it) was made of a metal too soft for the job. The wheel bearings eventually wear into the shaft causing movement which then causes the weather seal to fail & everything rusts up & then seizes. BMW know about this as they changed the spec (harder metal?) a couple of years ago. They are refusing to do a recall (they say it's just an improvement). However, as bikes age the problem gets worse until the rear wheel eventually seizes. BMW (if asked nicely) will consider a goodwill repair!!

Fantastic Bike... Great mileage, and performance combination. Only complaint is the windscreen is too small.

The BMW F800ST is a terrific bike. It genuinely does feel like a proper sports tourer; for the Sunday morning blast (I mean stroll) it accelerates briskly from all revs and doesn't need to be red lined like some bikes to keep it up to speed. It is a very torquey engine which means overtaking is a breeze, even with two up. The handling is excellent, it flicks from side to side to easily and precisely that I'm sure it does it via telepathy! Longer distances are effortless. The riding position is perfect (I'm 5'11") and the fuel consumption is unbelieveable. I'm averaging 58mpg, & that includes 1st & 2nd gear commuting!